The high-stakes summer transfer window continues its captivating drama in Italy as Inter Milan escalates its pursuit of highly-rated Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman. A new, substantial offer has landed on Atalanta`s desk, signaling Inter`s unwavering resolve to bring the prolific attacker to San Siro.
The Bid: A Statement of Intent
Inter`s latest proposal for Lookman stands at a formidable €42 million in fixed fees, complemented by an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses, totaling an impressive €45 million. This revised bid represents a €5 million increase over their initial offer, underscoring the Nerazzurri`s determination to secure their primary attacking target.
The updated figures were reportedly discussed during a recent four-hour meeting at the Lega Council, where Inter`s CEO of Sport, Giuseppe Marotta, engaged directly with Atalanta`s CEO, Luca Percassi. Such face-to-face negotiations often signify a turning point, moving discussions from mere posturing to serious decision-making.
Atalanta`s Deliberation: A Promise to Keep?
While the offer is substantial, reports suggest it still falls short of Atalanta`s ultimate valuation. However, the Bergamo club finds itself in a peculiar position. A year prior, they reportedly made a commitment to Lookman: a “congruous” offer would facilitate his departure. Inter`s current bid, reaching the €45 million mark, arguably fits this description, prompting a period of deep reflection within Atalanta`s headquarters, Zingonia.
The situation presents a classic transfer market dilemma: does Atalanta prioritize an immediate, significant financial gain, or do they hold firm, risking a potentially disgruntled player and a reduced future valuation? It`s a delicate balance between player loyalty, financial prudence, and sporting ambition.
Player`s Preference and Inter`s Patience
Crucially, Ademola Lookman`s personal terms with Inter Milan have been settled for weeks. The Nigerian international has reportedly agreed to a contract worth €4.5 million net per season, plus bonuses, stretching until 2030. This pre-agreement signals Lookman`s clear desire to make the move, adding another layer of pressure on Atalanta.
Inter`s management, particularly Marotta, has made it clear that this transfer saga will not drag on indefinitely. A self-imposed deadline of “two or three days” has been hinted at, suggesting that if a resolution isn`t reached swiftly, Inter will pivot to alternative targets. This strategic move aims to accelerate the negotiation, forcing Atalanta`s hand in what has become an intricate game of chess.
The Stakes: Shaping Serie A`s Future
For Inter, acquiring Lookman is not merely a luxury; he is identified as their number one objective to bolster the attacking line. His arrival would significantly enhance their squad`s depth and firepower, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of Serie A. For Atalanta, selling a key player like Lookman, even for a high fee, would necessitate shrewd reinvestment to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
The coming days are critical. Will Atalanta yield to Inter`s persistence and Lookman`s aspiration, or will they deem the offer still insufficient, risking a standoff that could leave all parties less satisfied? The Italian football world waits with bated breath for the conclusion of this compelling transfer narrative.
